Scotty Young is quickly becoming the king of clutch moments for Old Dominion Monarchs baseball. For the second time this week, the slugger delivered a walk-off hit, this time lifting his team to a thrilling 5–4 victory over Arkansas State in Sunday's rubber match. The win not only secured the series for ODU but also showcased a team that thrives under pressure.
Young's heroics came just days after he sealed a midweek win against VCU, proving that when the game is on the line, he's the man ODU turns to. The Monarchs (24-23, 11-13 Sun Belt) have now notched four walk-off wins in the past three weeks, adding to earlier dramatic finishes against Richmond and Georgia Southern. It's a trend that speaks volumes about this team's resilience and never-say-die attitude.
The game itself was a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Arkansas State struck first, plating a run in the opening inning and adding two more in the second to grab an early 3-0 lead. But ODU refused to back down, chipping away with a run in the third and another in the fourth to make it 4-2. The Monarchs' bullpen, led by Nick Sulpizio's three scoreless innings, kept the Red Wolves in check and gave the offense a chance to rally.
In the top of the ninth, Arkansas State threatened, putting a runner on third with two outs. But reliever Maddox Jack induced a groundout to escape the jam and keep the game tied. That set the stage for Young's latest masterpiece. In the bottom half, Tyler Zedalis drew a one-out walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs and the crowd on its feet, Young delivered a single to shallow right field, scoring Zedalis and igniting a celebration at home plate.
Offensively, Will Johnson and Brody Connors each went 2-for-4, with Johnson driving in a run and Connors scoring once. Young and Nick Felton both contributed a hit, a run, and an RBI, while TJ Aiken added an RBI of his own. Jack (2-1) earned the win after recording the final two outs in the ninth without allowing a hit.
For a team that's now 24-23 on the season, these walk-off wins are more than just highlights—they're a sign of a squad that's finding its stride at the perfect time. Whether it's Young's bat or the bullpen's poise, the Monarchs are proving they have the tools to compete in the Sun Belt. And for fans of the game, there's nothing quite like the drama of a walk-off to remind us why we love baseball.